Versacloz is a medicine prescribed to treat people who have schizophrenia. It is used when other treatments have not worked or when people with a history of suicidal behavior are at risk for attempting suicide. It comes as a liquid that is taken once or twice daily. Some possible side effects include sedation, dizziness, and a fast heart rate.

What Is Versacloz?

Versacloz™ (clozapine oral suspension) is a prescription medication approved to treat people with schizophrenia that has not adequately responded to other treatments. It is also approved to reduce suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are at risk for it. Versacloz belongs to a group of medicines known as atypical antipsychotics.

Who Makes This Medication?

Versacloz is manufactured by Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Clinical Effects

Clozapine, the active ingredient in Versacloz, has been studied in clinical trials. In these studies, researchers looked at the effects of clozapine for treating symptoms of schizophrenia, as well as the drug's effect on suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia.

Using Clozapine to Treat Schizophrenia

In one clinical study, people with schizophrenia that had not adequately responded to treatment with at least three different antipsychotics were given either clozapine or an older antipsychotic known as chlorpromazine (Thorazine®). After six weeks of treatment, 30 percent of people given clozapine had responded to it by having a meaningful reduction in their symptoms, including hallucinations, suspiciousness, and unusual thoughts. In comparison, only 4 percent of people given chlorpromazine responded to that medication.

Using Clozapine for Suicidal Behavior in People With Schizophrenia

In another study, people who were at risk for suicidal behavior because they had previously attempted suicide, been hospitalized to prevent suicide, or demonstrated suicidal thoughts were given clozapine. This drug reduced the chance that someone would attempt suicide or be hospitalized because of suicidal risk.

eMedTV serves only as an informational resource. This site does not dispense medical advice or advice of any kind.
Site users seeking medical advice about their specific situation should consult with their own physician. Click
Terms of Use for more information.